Featured Essential vs. Non-Essential Doctrine

Examples

Tier I. Doctrine of God, Salvation (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone), Trinity,

Tier II. Baptism (Pedo vs Credo), Spiritual Gifts,

Tier III. Church Government, when to meet, where to meet, Eschatology,

Tier I are Non-Negotiables. The most important Doctrines of the Church

Tier II are Not essential to the Christian Faith. Christian’s hold varying views of the Church, Baptism Operations of the Spirit etc.

Tier III. Not really worth dividing over. There are various views that are tertiary in nature

 

All false doctrines are essential to be considered questionable, if not declared false. Otherwise we are vulnerable to "another gospel."

Is the bible the inspired word of God? Yes
Those that add or subtract from its message hinder Christ's ministry.

Can the lost in their fallen state seek God and put their faith in Christ? Yes
Those that deny this basic Christianity 101 doctrine lack an essential understanding of truth.

Does God choose individuals for salvation through or by way of our credited faith? Yes
Those that deny this basic Christianity 101 doctrine lack an essential understanding of truth.

 

This is a pretty loaded and subjective question, and also varies by whether you are referring to brother to brother fellowship, fellowship within the local church (membership), church-to-church (convention/association and cooperative ministry), denomination to denomination cooperation, etc..

But I'll try to give my perspective.

• Brother-to-brother fellowship (outside the local church): Generally, that we hold the same gospel, the same view of Jesus (Christology).
• Church Membership/internal fellowship: Every church should have a formal "statement of faith" that includes all the non-negotiable, primary doctrines. The Bible, The Trinity, Basic view of redemption/soteriology, ordinances, etc.
• Church-to-church (cooperative): Should be closely tied to the above statement of faith. "Churches" that have contradictory/conflicting views of Jesus and salvation, the Trinity, and the Bible have no solid footing to cooperate together in most situations. (The one obvious example of an exception I might could see - I have marched in state "March For Life" events which are primarily sponsored and organized by Roman Catholics with a dabble of ecumenical groups that I cannot think of many other issues I might walk with on).
• Denomination to denomination: Denominational Statements of faith must be totally compatible.

As to specific "Essential Doctrines" in a broader sense:

• God - Eternally Existent, not created, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Trinitarian in nature, co-equal (Eternal Subordination of the Son is a heresy).
• Jesus - 100% God and 100% man - born of a virgin, lived without sin, yet willingly gave His life to redeem His people (both Jew and Gentile, of every tribe, nation, and tongue/ethnos).
• Mankind is, by nature, sinful - and all that we do is contaminated by that sin - thus the reason we cannot in any way earn or achieve our redemption. We must be changed by God, through the Holy Spirit, born-again from darkness to light, from death to life 100% by faith alone, by God's Grace.
• Baptism is one of two ordinances given to the Church by Christ - and is the commanded public profession of faith and identity with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (and is a necessary step to be joined with a local church).
• The Lord's Supper - given as a remembrance (symbol and profession) of Christ's sacrifice for sinners. Neither of these two ordinances themselves possess any salvific power, but do serve as reminders OF God's actions to save sinners.

Several other doctrinal points are very important to me personally, and maybe even more important in the context of the local church -

 

I'm not sure there really is much essential doctrine other than the diety of Christ, the bodily incarnation, bodily death, and bodily resurrection of Christ and believers

Trinity is not essential. Because even a Modalist believes those doctrines that are actually treaded asessential in scripture.

 

I would agree with this list.

 

Um....

 

You are gravely mistaken. God the Father, the Son of God and the Holy Spirit are different Persons. And they are the one and the same God.

 

That fabricated doctrine is not taught in scripture, And you people should stop pretending that it is

 

Um, do you have any scriptures saying that your brand of trinity is essential?
Didn't think so. Thanks

 

What is fabricated? That there is only one God? That God the Father and the Son of God are different Persons? That the Holy Spirit is a Person? What is fabricated?

 

Please tell that to the Council of Nicea and Augustine

Christian’s were literally persecuted over this issue. As in dismembered

 

BTW, denial of the Trinity is considered heretical

now I know that will get me another PM from the Mods!! Hahaha

 

Is Jesus God?

 

Oh, for crying out loud. Did you even read my 1st comment?

 

Only by those who have been duped bt the heresy of Trinitarianism

See how easy it is to level a charge? ✌️✌️

 

What about Trinitarianism do you consider false teaching?

 

So which part of the Trinity is not God?

 

Apart from the working of the Holy Spirt in their lives though, none will seek God, much less discern the bible!